Thursday, 14 August 2025

Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:48): I rise to acknowledge an exciting development in the Kalkallo electorate’s growing sports scene, with the launch of the Merrifield Panthers football club’s new women’s senior team and girls junior team. This expansion is a fantastic step forward for the club and the local community. It reflects the increasing demand for inclusive and accessible sporting opportunities in our region, and it is wonderful to see Merrifield Panthers responding with such energy and vision. The new teams will give more residents an opportunity to get involved in football, build skills, stay active and connect with others.

Community sport plays a vital role in fostering resilience, teamwork and a sense of belonging, and these new pathways will help strengthen those values across Kalkallo. The Panthers have quickly become a key part of our local sporting landscape, offering a space where players, families and supporters come together to celebrate sport and build community spirit. The addition of these teams will further enhance the club’s reach and impact, creating more opportunities for participation and growth. At the heart of this progress is club director Paul Higginson, whose leadership and commitment to community development is truly commendable. Paul has worked tirelessly to build a club culture that is welcoming, supportive and focused on participation and development.

This football club is part of the ever-growing overarching Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association, which now includes cricket, basketball, tennis and football. Thanks also to president Glenn Herring and all of the committee, as well as the volunteers, who make Merrifield Panthers possible. I wish all the players every success as all the clubs continue to grow.